Kelly wants GAA to honour memory of Collins

GAA president Sean Kelly wants the association to honour Michael Collins - “one of the country’s great patriots” - by naming a major trophy or stadium in memory of the Corkman.

Mr Kelly said the absence of any official recognition of Collins was a “major historical omission” by the GAA. The president, regularly touted as a Fine Gael election candidate in his native South Kerry, refuted suggestions that his proposal was politically motivated.

“This isn’t political. I look at Collins as a great Irish hero - it shouldn’t be seen as one thing or the other, because he stands out as someone who should be honoured by the GAA.”